How does DL-Tartaric Acid differ from L(+)-Tartaric Acid?

DL-Tartaric Acid is an optically inactive 1:1 mixture of L- and D-tartaric acid, while L(+)-Tartaric Acid is the naturally occurring enantiomer. The racemic form is usually produced synthetically and is slightly less water-soluble than the L-isomer, which can be useful in controlled-release or cost-sensitive formulations.

Why is DL-Tartaric Acid used as a food and beverage acidulant?

It provides a sharp, refreshing sour taste and is commonly described as about 1.2 to 1.3 times as sour as citric acid. It can function as an acidifier, chelating agent, and leavening component in beverages, confectionery, jams, and baking applications.

How does DL-Tartaric Acid act as a gypsum and cement setting retarder?

It delays the hydration and setting process in gypsum plaster and cement systems, extending workability time. This helps contractors and formulators control hardening without necessarily reducing the final strength.

What other industrial roles does DL-Tartaric Acid support?

Beyond food and construction, it is used in pharmaceutical processing, metal cleaning and surface treatment, textile dyeing, leather treatment, and as a chelating or resolving agent. Its acidic and chelating properties make it a versatile specialty organic acid.

DL-Tartaric Acid CAS 133-37-9

DL-Tartaric Acid, also called racemic acid or paratartaric acid, CAS 133-37-9, is a white crystalline food-grade acidulant supplied in powder or granule form. Confirm the required grade and specification, then request a quotation with COA/TDS/SDS for bulk supply.

CAS: 133-37-9
Synonyms: Racemic acid, 2,3-Dihydroxysuccinic acid, Uvic acid, Paratartaric acid, DL-2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid
Einecs: 205-105-7
Molecular Formula: C₄H₆O₆
Grade: food grade
Package: 25kg/bag (Plastic woven bag with PE liner) or 500kg/1000kg Jumbo Bag.

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Product Description

DL-Tartaric Acid CAS 133-37-9 is the racemic form of tartaric acid, also known as racemic acid or paratartaric acid, with molecular formula C4H6O6, molecular weight 150.09 and EINECS 205-105-7.

Synonyms: Racemic acid; 2,3-Dihydroxysuccinic acid; Uvic acid; Paratartaric acid; DL-2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid.

CAS: 133-37-9.

It has the molecular formula C4H6O6 and a molecular weight of 150.09 g/mol.

It appears as a white crystalline powder or granules and has a sharp, refreshing sour taste.

A typical specification includes assay of at least 99.5% on an anhydrous basis and loss on drying of at most 0.5%.

It is soluble in water at about 20.6 g/100 mL at 20 °C, slightly less soluble than L-tartaric acid.

It melts at about 200–206 °C with decomposition.

As a food acidulant (E334), it provides a sharp sour taste and is used in beverages, confectionery, jams and baking.

It acts as the acidic component in baking powder that reacts with baking soda to release carbon dioxide.

In construction, it is a gypsum plaster and cement setting retarder that extends workability time.

It is also used in mirror silvering, metal cleaning and surface treatment, and textile dyeing.

It functions as a chelating and resolving agent in pharmaceutical processing and fine-chemical applications.

It is acidic; bulk handling requires eye protection, dust control and gloves to avoid irritation.

Confirm appearance, assay, loss on drying, mesh size, heavy-metal impurities and residual solvent limits as required.

Store in a cool, dry area below 60% relative humidity, away from strong oxidizing agents and alkalis, with the inner liner sealed.

Confirm packaging with the requested quantity and destination requirements.

The page is an RFQ entry point and does not state stock, price, MOQ or fixed lead time.

For an RFQ, state the intended use, required grade and specification, quantity, packaging, destination and document needs.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is DL-Tartaric Acid CAS 133-37-9?

A: DL-Tartaric Acid CAS 133-37-9 is the racemic form of tartaric acid, with molecular formula C4H6O6, molecular weight 150.09, and EINECS 205-105-7. It is also known as racemic acid, paratartaric acid, or DL-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid.
Q:
How does DL-Tartaric Acid differ from L(+)-Tartaric Acid?

A: DL-Tartaric Acid is an optically inactive 1:1 mixture of L- and D-tartaric acid, while L(+)-Tartaric Acid is the naturally occurring enantiomer. The racemic form is usually produced synthetically and is slightly less water-soluble than the L-isomer, which can be useful in controlled-release or cost-sensitive formulations.
Q:
Why is DL-Tartaric Acid used as a food and beverage acidulant?

A: It provides a sharp, refreshing sour taste and is commonly described as about 1.2 to 1.3 times as sour as citric acid. It can function as an acidifier, chelating agent, and leavening component in beverages, confectionery, jams, and baking applications.
Q:
How does DL-Tartaric Acid act as a gypsum and cement setting retarder?

A: It delays the hydration and setting process in gypsum plaster and cement systems, extending workability time. This helps contractors and formulators control hardening without necessarily reducing the final strength.
Q:
What other industrial roles does DL-Tartaric Acid support?

A: Beyond food and construction, it is used in pharmaceutical processing, metal cleaning and surface treatment, textile dyeing, leather treatment, and as a chelating or resolving agent. Its acidic and chelating properties make it a versatile specialty organic acid.

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